TLC, Here I Come

Today was a mixture of self-loathing and deep despair ... I think it's beginning to sink in that I will likely never have a baby in my womb or a newborn in my house again. I have been realizing that I need to begin letting go of some of my babies' stuff, considering there are Rubbermaid containers stacked over my head in the attic, safely holding my babies' precious things, as if they were a mother's arms rocking things that once touched one or more of my children's skin. Does that sound like the overly emotional ramblings of a crazy woman? I think so ... a crazy, maternal hoarder! I can easily sell or toss pretty much anything -- except my kids' things. It seems like virtually every item recalls some memory, however vague, mundane, or unimportant, a memory nonetheless, of my babies' childhood. I found myself disgusted with myself when I snapped to, in realization that I was really going through socks Brandon wore when he was two, deciding which pair I could let go of and which ones I "had" to keep. I felt like a woman on "Hoarders," trying to rationalize keeping some of the most ridiculous things.
So, I now have a quite impressive pile of clothes that I likely wouldn't dress my next child in anyway, if the occasion arose. There's also a pile of compromises, ones that I think I'll be able to let go of after taking a picture of them. But, then again, what if the house were to burn down and I lost the pictures of those things ... wait, then I'd lose all the stuff still in the attic. Maybe I should build an underground vault in the yard for their things ... can you say, "crazy, maternal hoarder?!"

The Birthday Chick

Who's Two?

CAMI!
I can't believe that it has been a full two years since that precious little bundle was in my tummy!
I remember that day like it were yesterday. My doctor told me that since I was 2 weeks overdue, I had to be induced the next day. So, at about this time, I went to bed knowing that I was likely experiencing my last hours ever being pregnant. I so enjoyed feeling my babies kick and turn inside me, relishing those months that I could give them the best start at life, holding them close and safe. Wondering what they would look like and what their little cries would sound like. While I always wanted my births to be spontaneous, it looked like little Miss had her own ideas about how things would go -- should've been my first indication about her personality! Thankfully, all the doctor had to do was break my water, and without further interventions, my precious baby girl was born 6 hours later . . . one of the three most amazing days of my life. Such a beautiful experience to watch your babies take their first breaths and meet them face-t0-face for the first time!And so beautiful to see your children meet each other!Camryn: free spirit, stubborn, smart, wiley, enthusiastic, energetic, fast, loud, sweet, cunning, beautiful, radiant, independent!

• orders "cheek-un, feench fyes, and diet coke" at Braum's
• counts out loud to 10 playing hide-n-go-seek
• says "scuz me" when she poots
• constantly says "Me do!"
• Very bossy! Often puts older kids in their place!
• loves to do flips with Brother, play with stickers, sing with Mommy, eat guacamole, blueberries, and anything made mostly of sugar, read books, and play babies
• puts herself in the naughty chair when she's having a fit
• loves to sit on the potty but rarely produces any results

I love you, my precious girl!

Cami Chaos

Camryn loves nothing more than to irritate her big brother! She's a constant whirlwind of chaos, especially where Brandon is concerned. Whatever it takes to make him whine ...

Ordinary

Bliss

There's nothing more blissful than snuggling with your sleeping babies, deep in dreamland, breathing matched to theirs, warm breaths on your cheek, soft hands in your own . . . a mother's heart lives for this!

Keeping Your Marriage Growing

Happy Valentine's Day . . . a day late, but it's the sentiment not the day, right?! :o)

I thought I'd share the bullet points from our pastor's sermon yesterday, titled "Keeping Your Marriage Growing," in celebration of this amorous holiday.

Philippians 1:9 "This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love."

1. Keep on Paying Attention
"Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." James 1:19

2. Keep on Making Adjustments
"We should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring." 1 John 3:18

3. Keep on Showing Affection
"Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other." Romans 12:10

4. Keep on Giving Affirmation
"Encourage each other every day while it is 'today'." Hebrews 3:13

5. Keep on Following Jesus
"As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live in Him." Colossians 2:6

Snowtime Adventures

We have been severely disappointed by winter weather predictions so far this winter - predictions of snow that completely missed the mark. However, this weekend's winter storm was even better than expected. We had a minimum of ice, no power outage, and 7" of snow!

I love playing in the snow in the dark, which we were able to do Friday night as it started to accumulate. Brandon is not a cold-hardy little man; he lasted about 10 minutes before he headed inside and warmed himself in his underwear by the fire. Camryn was a little overwhelmed but seemed to enjoy the "suh-no," and Abi absolutely couldn't get enough of it! Even Bella seemed to enjoy the snow, although 7" is a little deep for her to navigate easily. We headed in to thaw out, decorate some warm cupcakes, drink some hot chocolate, and watch a little "Tom & Jerry" by the fire. Who could ask for a more perfect wintry Friday night?!

We headed out again this morning to play again - just glad Nick didn't require a trip to the ER to repair a damaged tongue. :o)

Not the most flattering picture of me --- but I looove Cam's face in this one!

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

"Little Man" is the nickname we've called B since he was little bitty. Today, he says to me, "Even though I'm four, Momma, I'm still your Little Man, right?" Of course! If only he knew how deeply a momma loves her babies -- even at the ripe ole age of four.
We celebrated the day with a few more gifts, a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, and a second birthday cake. Sweet day. Sweet boy.

The Last Day of 3

Tomorrow, my baby boy will be FOUR years old. I just can't believe it! Four seems to be so much older than three. It seems like just yesterday my Little Man was born . . . on Friday the 13th and a full moon!
Off to enjoy his last day of "3"!

A couple of hours before B was born - I still miss that baby feeling in my tummy!Abi loving on Brother!First BirthdaySecond BirthdayThird Birthday
Fourth Birthday